Scuba diving is one of the best ways to explore the underwater world and witness the beauty of marine life up close. While many divers travel to tropical destinations like the Maldives or Red Sea to see sharks in their natural habitat, the truth is that the UK waters are also home to a variety of sharks. From the majestic basking shark to the speedy shortfin mako shark, there are more than 40 species of sharks that can be found living or visiting the UK waters. In this blog post, we'll explore the top five biggest sharks you can encounter in British waters, and in some cases where to find them.
1. Blue Shark
The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is one of the most common sharks found in the UK waters. They can grow up to 3.8 meters and have a distinctive blue-grey color. Snorkelling and swimming with them can be organised by a dedicated operators such as Charles Hood Photography. The best time to see blue sharks is from July to October, in areas such as Cornwall, Devon, and the Isles of Scilly. While they are generally not aggressive towards humans, it’s important to respect their space. Very common sightings during blue sharks charters are pods of common dolphins. Still, everyone needs to watch out for the Portuguese Man o'War that can be found floating in the same season in the waters around British Isles.
2. Basking Shark
The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second-largest fish in the world and one of the most impressive creatures you can encounter as a scuba diver. They can grow up to 11 meters and are known for their distinctive broad snouts and gaping mouths. The best time to see basking sharks is during the summer months, around the waters of the Hebrides, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. While they are harmless to humans, it’s important to remain still and quiet around them to avoid scaring them away. One of the best establishment running basking sharks charters is Cornish dive centre called Porthkerris Divers.
3. Shortfin Mako Shark
The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is one of the fastest sharks in the UK waters. They are often found around deep offshore waters and can be seen from May to October. They can grow up to 4 meters and are known for their sharp teeth and sleek body. While they are generally not interested in humans, it is on the list of most endangered species so every sightining is precious event. Did you know "mako" means shark or shark tooth in Maori language.
4. Common Thresher Shark
The common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) is easily recognizable for its extremely long tail, which it uses to stun fish while hunting. They can be found around the UK coast all year round, but the best time to spot them is from June to November. They can grow up to 5 meters and are active hunters - we think its a stunning fish. They generally shy shark and does not pose danger to scuba divers.
5. Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is the largest shark found in the UK waters and can grow up to 7 meters long and can live upto 400 years. They are slow-moving and often found in deep, cold waters around Scotland and northern England. Despite their size they are quite elusive creature and the first sighting of a Greenland shark in Uk waters dates back only to 2003.
The UK waters are an amazing destination for scuba divers looking to see sharks in their natural habitat. From the impressive basking shark to the sleek shortfin mako shark, there are plenty of species to discover. However, it’s important to respect these creatures and approach them with caution. Always follow the recommended diving guidelines and listen to the advice of your local diving experts. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, a shark encounter in the UK waters is an experience you won’t forget!
